Taking the self out of selfies

The popular trend of snapping ‘Selfies’ and carefully crafted photos to post on our social media platforms should not deter us from actually savouring and enjoying our precious memories in real life. Taken from my Facebook posting on 4 Sept 2018:

TOO DISTRACTED TO ENJOY THE MOMENT: Almost everyone seems to be doing it – whipping out a smartphone to snap a picture of a beautiful sunset, or a yummy looking dish in a restaurant. Are we too absorbed in digital photography and taking too many pictures? Sometimes, I’ve to remind my aides to click away when I run low on photo stocks to do my daily FB postings. A friend says she has taken tens of thousands of selfies and wefies to record her life for posterity. We take photos to keep our memories from fading, but I suspect it could instead impair our ability to recall details of the events later. When we treat the camera as a form of external memory device, we expect it to remember things for us. That’s when we don’t process the happenings fully in our minds or appreciate them fully as they unfold. I guess there’s no harm in taking plenty of pictures, but we shouldn’t let a camera get in the way of a treasured moment.

Selected followers’ comments:

Wong Choon Lan: I have great passion in taking photographs. Whenever l attended a wedding, retirement ceremony,watching concerts or went for trips, l would surely take lots of pictures from the very beginning till the end. Sometimes l even take videos for those precious moments.
Looks like l am a crazy aunty, but after looking at the pictures l took, people know that l am serious and attentive while taking those pictures n videos.
My former headmistress was quite impressed with all the pictures l took during the school events. She asked me to be in charge the photo session but l rejected as l told her l could only take good pictures without any pressure.😁
Another time was when my nephew got married, l took a lot of pictures for him, from morning ceremony till wedding dinner time.My sister told me his son was so happy n grateful, he developed all the photos.
I won’t say l am very good in taking photographs but l have the patience n passion with me, which help me a lot.
Everyone can take good pictures if you have the patience n passion. Choose the right time to snap the pictures but don’t stick to a place too long for taking pictures when you go for trips or else you might miss some precious things and moments during the short and rushing visiting hours if we joined the tour group.
Happy Bless Tuesday to Tan Sri n all my dear buddies.😍😎

Jacky Chin: Morning Clement, Ever since the like botton was invented, the meaning of taking photos greatly changed, it’s not about capturing the moment and treasuring the memories anymore. For many young pretty faces out there, it is the source of their confidence and egotism, it’s about how many likes they receive and how much reach their pretty faces can be seen. There’s a term for this, it’s called self-validation, without this they probably be nobody and lost~ XD

Rodjeanall Tinjan: “That’s when we don’t process the happenings fully in our minds or appropriate them fully as they unfold”
-Clement Hii
Yes, many times we don’t fully process the happenings, humans mind were easily be distracted to enjoy the moment. Photos, selfie, wefie were digital wonder but the real photos were our Inner Spiritual Wonder to have solve the Misery and Mystery of Creation, and that cannot be found in digital world. Cheers another sweet gorgeous Tuesday.

My other FB postings between 3 Sept 2018 and 9 Sept 2018:

3 Sept 2018

WE CAN’T HIDE BEHIND COSTUMES: Cosplay seems to be gaining popularity here, and initially I would wonder why people need to dress up and pretend to be characters they’re not. Maybe it’s a kind of fashion modelling in disguise, to show a dresser’s allegiance to someone that they idolise. I suspect many cosplayers are actually introverts, and when they wear a costume, they become more socially outgoing. A guy in a superhero outfit told me he enjoyed it when strangers approached him for chats and photos. In our everyday life, it’s rare that we get to dress up outlandishly, as we’re somehow stifled by the need to conform to norms. So dressing up as a larger than life character can be liberating and exciting, and it gives cosplayers a chance to step outside themselves. But ultimately, I think it’s not about wearing your interests on your body, but how you really feel about yourself, deep inside.

Selected followers’ comments:

Andrew Chan: Tan Sri, we were in Seoul, South Korea n we were all offered to dress as Emperors, Empresses, Kings, Generals etc like the dynasties days n had our photos taken. Yes, we were all excited n curious what we really look like ; chose to be a fake emperor for a day ; yes it do make you feel the awe , the power, suppose that’s what folks felt in Cosplays.
It’s good to have fun but it would be wrong to live only in dreams ; make your dreams come true. Not as an emperor perhaps but attaining a good statue in life.

Wong Choon Lan: When l read Tan Sri’s topic about cosplay today, l started to wonder what inspired the cosplayers to take part in the cosplay.
After reading an article, l came to understand some of the reasons behind it.
Cosplay is something to do with the different kinds of costumes where the cosplayers costumed as superheroes and supervillains, Jedi and Sith, Ghostbusters, Starfleet officers, Hogwarts students and many, many other characters.
According to one of the psychologists, most of the cosplayers are identified as introverts. These people are from all walks of life and of all ages. Cosplaying can help them to be more sociable, build up confidence, explore their own creativity, coping with trauma, discovered a rich and widespread network of people who shared their interest in the characters and in the world they inhabited. Cosplaying brings them lots of happiness and contentment indeed.
Looking at all the beneficial things in the cosplaying, l think it’s good to join this kind of activities but most importantly do not forget about your real self and remember to come back to the real world. Have a nice day Tan Sri n dear all.

Choon Pin Yoong: For as long as I can remember parents have dressed up their children in Superman, Batman tshirts, introducing to them Cosplay unwittingly.
Young people these days do that deliberately for the fun of it and to look hip. Even wearing a NYC cap makes one feel athletic, haha.
We feel thrilled even to be seen in the company of someone in cosplay attire.
Many tourists at the Stadhuys building, Melaka, would be keen to have a selfie taken with a man in gold suit and hat there.
(The man in gold does it for money, not fun and he’s really an extrovert, haha).

5 Sept 2018

A CONSISTENT SON OF SARAWAK: His father Chong Siew Chieng was one of the pioneer DAP leaders in Sarawak, at a time when the party was hitting roadblocks at every turn. YB Chong Chieng Jen (2nd right) has shown the same fighting spirit, which saw him leading the party to big electoral gains in the last few elections, and being recently appointed deputy minister of domestic trade and consumer affairs. He was slated for a full ministership, but took it in his stride when that didn’t happen. I teased him about the times I saw him hawking his party newsletter Rocket for a few bucks each in Kuching coffeeshops to raise funds for his party. I’ll say the one glaring trait I see in Chong is his unwavering consistency. It hasn’t been easy slogging against the odds, but he has been focussing on the same critical issues and showing the same temperament and mannerism, over the years. People respect and need consistent leaders, not those who show momentary flashes of brilliance.

Selected followers’ comments:

Alice YokYuen Wong: Wow, didn’t know that YB Chong Chieng Jen had been an MP since 2004 which means that he had been elected for the past 4 GEs. Frankly it’s not easy to remember those MPs from East Malaysia because focus on politics had been more towards Peninsula Malaysia. Reading his bio-data from Wikipedia, this young YB sure is a professional, a lawyer with his own legal practice!
Looks like our current Cabinet are mostly selected based on merits. Most of them are young and very qualified. We wish them all the best and look forward to better days ahead for our New Malaysia.
Good morning friends, we are praying for good health for TDM to lead our beloved nation out of it’s darkest period. He looked very tired during his visit to Brunei yesterday. Let’s all pray for all the new Ministers and their Deputies too, not to deviate from their focus on doing their jobs well.

Yvonne Keong: Sweet Wednesday Tan Sri Clement & all dear friends. I am not into politics but we do pray for our beloved Malaysia that this ‘wind of change’ shall bring a new breed of such young, grounded, patriotic & consistent leaders – evenmore so to raise up Christian leaders to inculcate strong morals & beliefs to heal this nation. It will take time to change the old ‘mindset’ of the people but it will come to pass if all prevail with hard work. When men proposes (with good motives) God will make it work 🙏 👏 MALAYSIA BOLEH 👍👍

Frankie David Chieng: Chong Siew Chiang’s political career wasn’t smooth he struggled hard but didn’t fruition in his time. Now younger candidate take over win easily in Sarikei. The right timing in the opportune situation breeds hero in his place.
Sarikei supporters wishing his successor Mr Wong Ling Piew to fight well like Chong Siaw Chiang for the betterment and future of Sarikei.

6 Sept 2018

HOW DO WE CONSOLE A FRIEND IN DISTRESS? A fellow director got robbed and beaten in his house, a friend’s dad became critically ill and an employee was teary eyed when reminiscing about her deceased husband – all on a same day, when I was feeling under the weather myself. It’s both difficult and tricky to try to comfort someone who’s feeling hurt or upset. Whatever I say or do in such scenarios, I somehow feel I’m putting my foot in my mouth and making things worse. I’ve now realised people in distress most likely won’t be looking for specific advice or words of wisdom. They’re hoping for someone to act as a sounding board and to show understanding and empathy. Yet, oftentimes, we say the wrong things when we open our mouth, and when we don’t, we feel guilty about our silence and inaction. So how do we console friends and actually make them feel better? I guess, by just being a good friend.

Selected followers’ comments:

Alice YokYuen Wong: In such circumstances I guess it’s good enough just to be there for them. Words may sound empty when everyone is saying the same thing. Just lend them your ears and let them spill out their pent-up hurts. That’s how I would console a friend in distress.
Depending on each situation don’t ask too many questions especially for someone going through a breakup in relationship. Don’t appear like you are probing into their affairs. I will always just listen and not pass comments because we need to respect their privacy.
Good morning everyone, just let them know you will always be there for them. No need to say much lest our words sound like judgemental!

Wong Kimchoon: Words don’t come easy. A colleaque once had a stroke. His wife was a housewife. Their 3 children were still in primary school. My immediate boss wrote a letter and told the wife, “The company will bear all his medical expenses and all the 3 children’s expenses will be provided for until all of them graduated. You’te know my boss. He’s Dato Alan Tong Kok Mau, founder chairman of Sunrise Bhd which gave birth to Mon’t Kiara in KL. My colleaque eventually recovered.

Susan Quat: Sometimes words just not the things that is needed in such situation but more of a listening ear and our presence. A handshake n hug works too and assuring that person that if she/ he needed to talk or other kind of help ,can always look for me. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so be that friend.

7 Sept 2018

THEIR OPINIONS MATTER THE MOST: After consulting my in-house doctor, I took a few minutes to answer a few queries on an iPad at the medical clinic at SEGi University. I created the policy of requiring all departments and faculties to provide devices that allows students and staff to give immediate feedbacks to the management. Whether we love or loathe it, consumer opinions are crucial to help businesses design strategies that improve revenue generation. Our campuses of 20,000 students regularly conduct “climate surveys” to identify our weak spots and measure our customer’s satisfaction level. Sometimes, we get unsolicited comments or complaints that will need an immediate response. I think there’s only one indisputable fact about doing business. Whoever gives the best service or product to the most satisfied audience is destined for great reputation, returns and wealth.

Selected followers’ comments:

Kent Yee: GOOD MORNING SIR, SMILE.
A beautiful Friday morning with distance white clouds reflection from the morning sun lighted up the blue sky and shines onto the grey mountain and waving leaves of the nearby green. The noisy motorcycles bypassing and the traffic rushing into their routine jam. That is lighter than before as expected weekend ahead and SMILE.
This is a caring and concerns of SEGi’s top management by looking into their students’ needs. By putting the customer first, it never needed to have short change in the coming in takes.
It is certainly right when the customers are happy, there is lighter tasks to accommodate fewer complaints. Serve than to be served and SMILE.

Jasmine Ang: Good afternoon all. The saying ‘Customers are always right.’ whether we like it or not. We do need feedbacks in order to improve ourselves or in business.
Hubby’s by-pass in Serdang Hospital, I did post thanks and gratefulness in FB but what l saw in their columns makes me wonder, lots of complaint, is it so bad the services they provide? The doctors and nurses attending to my hubby were very nice and professional. Actually it’s how we treat them and the respond they gave us are the same. As a senior citizen being treated in a government hospital, the fee is so minimal. Don’t expect a 5 stars treatment unless one is rich and willing to pay more in a private hospital. All those patients there are also very sick. I go 2 to 3 times a day for 1 whole month and can see how these nurses are being treated badly too. Patients can be difficult to handle and worst those visiting complaint alot and is of no help at all. For info monthly medicines are free of charge.

Jasmine Ang: Good afternoon all. The saying ‘Customers are always right.’ whether we like it or not. We do need feedbacks in order to improve ourselves or in business.
Hubby’s by-pass in Serdang Hospital, I did post thanks and gratefulness in FB but what l saw in their columns makes me wonder, lots of complaint, is it so bad the services they provide? The doctors and nurses attending to my hubby were very nice and professional. Actually it’s how we treat them and the respond they gave us are the same. As a senior citizen being treated in a government hospital, the fee is so minimal. Don’t expect a 5 stars treatment unless one is rich and willing to pay more in a private hospital. All those patients there are also very sick. I go 2 to 3 times a day for 1 whole month and can see how these nurses are being treated badly too. Patients can be difficult to handle and worst those visiting complaint alot and is of no help at all. For info monthly medicines are free of charge.

8 Sept 2018

JJ ISN’T AROUND TO FEND OFF ALLEGATIONS: We often see sticky endings for those who are fabulously wealthy in both fact and fiction. Jesus warned that it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to heaven. Robin Hood became a folk hero by robbing the rich to give to the poor. Then we have Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis, or JJ, whose RM2.1 billion estate is being fought over by his mum, wife and children 3 years after his untimely death. Once, over dinner with JJ and mutual friends before the tragic helicopter crash, I jokingly chided him about rife market talk that he was strategist, advisor and go-to frontman for Dato’ Seri Najib Razak. JJ smiled and asked: “Do you think people believe all that?” The ex PM has since clarified that JJ’s wealth had nothing to do with their close relationship. I’ll say wealth, if ill-gotten, may give a person a high net worth in his lifetime, but the legacy he leaves behind would be worth very little.

Selected followers’ comments:

Jacky Chin: Morning Clement, 2.1 billion is an incredibly large amount, can’t stop wondering what empire of family business he owns, people of fortune in that class have some standard traits, that is their empire is big, the business is from generation to generation, and family members help to run the businesses.

Latha Ravindran: Whatever we do in our life time good or bad will come back to us in equal measure. Politicians are greedy to amass wealth. Wealth accumulated by illegal means would eventually ruin our peace of mind. But the forbidden apple always tastes sweeter I guess and henxe hard to resist.

Peter Wong: Good saturday morning everyone… One just wonder why one’s mother have to go public to …fight for the Estate… Whether it’s 2.1billion or just 2.1 mil… How JJ gets it, he is answerable to himself and God. So it doesn’t really matter now but what crosses your mind? For me, a mother out of her love will never shame his children , even less so in public. I cannot imagine a mum doing this unless forced to the corner or someone behind her…. So the lesson learn is to spread and share your wealth while you are still around especially to our aged parents, charity, etc. We see many of this happening around us. You can’t bring it with you..

9 Sept 2018

CLIMATE THAT CLOUDS OUR MOOD: I wasn’t exactly physically on top of the world, but looking out of this window reminded me of the many occasions when I was feeling great and among the clouds. It’s as if the skies and the weather would connect and rejoice with us when we’re in a high state of happiness. That could be why people say they’re in cloud 9 when they achieve success, recognition or emotional satisfaction. On a daily basis, we’re more likely to come across people whose heads are often in the clouds, without their being at Genting Highlands or Mt Kinabalu. It’s irritating talking to individuals who’re not paying attention or out of touch with reality. Those with impractical ideas or dreams are also referred to as having their heads in the clouds. Nature and the climate obviously have a strong bearing on the mood of humans.

Selected followers’ comments:

Muhammad Aqil Deraman: Why are ancient religious structures built high? Eg the pyramids, the Incan temples, and many monasteries are on hilltops. Why are holy men often depicted to be in solitude in the mountains? Not because it’s closer to God. But because when you are on top, you get a bird’s eye view of your surroundings and this helps put things in perspective. Then, you’d realize how small you are.

Andrew Chan: Some folks dream big impossible dreams n boast about them but there too are some who do dream attainable dreams silently n working towards them. It’s not wrong to dream but let it be known only to yourself. Cheers, and may you sour above the clouds. PTL for some surprising achievements though some dreams too are not achieved. In all things be appreciative n count our blessings. Our every achievement will put us on Cloud 9 momentarily n it’s back to earth again for the next.

Mohamad Abdul Rahman: Tan Sri Clement, you’ve touched on an interesting aspects of human character here. In a similar vein, some consultants would talk incoherently in a technical briefings without without being fully understood by the chairperson and others around the table.